Postgraduate research opportunities Metal-based nanocomposites hyper-activity in heterogeneous non-catalytic and catalytic reactions

This project aims to demonstrate that certain efficiency limits and conventional rules of stoichiometry can be broken and engineered to deliver cost-effective solutions for current challenges in water reclamation and environmental remediation. We demonstrate this concept on silver/silica systems, employing emerging nanostructuring methods for the removal of mercury and 2-nitrophenol from water.

Two synthesis routes developed the last decade with great potential and unexplored aspects will be used; the in-situ chemical reduction by employing silicon hydride chemistry on the surface of silica particles and the exsolution of nanoparticles, is a versatile and efficient method for producing highly active and stable catalytic materials. Silica, an abundant sustainable material, will be used as a substrate; crystalline, non-porous amorphous silica, fumed amorphous silica and commercial catalyst support silica. The project will investigate hyperactivity and hyperstoichiometry in Ag-Hg amalgamation (non-catalytic reaction) and in 2-nitrophenol reduction (catalytic reaction). The hyperactivity or in general the size-dependent reactivity in the nanoscale is an important area of research with multiple applications. Hyperstoichiometry is a groundbreaking phenomenon and the extent to which it applies to other chemical systems and its range of applications needs to be ascertained. Its operation only at the nanoscale is an important discovery for redox systems and the chemistry (and in turn the applications) that can be performed, which will continue to engage the research communities at the interface of surface science, nanoscience, catalysis and remediation.

Work packages

Specific objectives are:

1. Synthesis of controlled-size supported Ag nanoparticles
2. Testing of nanocomposites in non-catalytic/catalytic reactions
3. Analysis of mechanisms of hyperactivity/hyperstoichiometry
4. Computational modeling of the surface interactions

Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert)

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development, which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Further information

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates, and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.